Communications Manager

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Hiring Range: $55,000-$60,000

Position Summary

The Communications Manager plans, develops, implements, and manages effective and strategic communications, advertising, and external relations on behalf of Lake County. The Manager increases public awareness and support of County programs, services, and activities, enhancing the image of the organization. They ensure that all communications are provided to the community in both English and Spanish in a manner that is understandable to all residents. The Manager enhances connectedness of County departments through internal communication, especially pertaining to organizational culture, branding and communications policies. They ensure all County employees can receive this information in a timely manner and in English and Spanish. The Manager will create policies, strategies, and best practices for all internal and external communication. They are expected to be familiar with each department’s responsibilities and goals. The Manager will serve as a Public Information Officer when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. They may be expected to train other Public Information Officer volunteers. This may entail work outside of a regular schedule. Potential to be performed hybrid for in-state applicants only.

General Duties And Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Develops and implements strategic communications, external relations, and branding campaigns that increase public awareness and support of County programs, services, and activities which enhance the County’s work to residents.
• Directs all media relations for the County to ensure accurate and timely coverage of events and news; serves as the County’s spokesperson on public relations matters as directed by the Board of County Commissioners and County Manager.
• Builds and fosters relationships with key local organizations, businesses and industry partners, and community leaders.
• Researches current benchmark trends and audience preferences to determine the most appropriate mix of media to promote and present County programs, services, and activities.
• Directs and coordinates the County’s social media channels including, but not limited to, general updates, department news and events, emergency notifications, and employment postings.
• Advises the Board of County Commissioners and County Leadership on current and potential public relations, marketing, and communication issues; recommends an effective course of action.
• Directs the development and editing of various publications, including news releases, feature articles, news stories, postings, reports, and other communications which highlight the goals, objectives, policies, programs, activities and accomplishments of the County and its staff for dissemination to print and broadcast media sources, social media and web-based sources, the general public, and specialized target groups.
• Directs the development of electronic and digital communications tools such as the County’s website, social media networks, and electronic communications in conjunction with the IT Manager to ensure that the design and content promotes public awareness and transparency of County activities, and that such tools comply with evolving state and federal accessibility standards, and communications best practices.
• Collaborates on the development of internal communications for employees concerning policy and organizational changes, special programs, and news of general interest to employees.
• Obtains feedback from the public and staff through surveys, polls and comment forms.
• Coordinates media interviews, news conferences, ceremonies, and other public relations events.
• Prepares informative materials, scripts, speeches, and other communications for the Board of County Commissioners and County Leadership.
• Manages crises communication in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Management Director and staff to facilitate public safety information as advised by the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, the Incident Commander, and the OEM Director during an emergency or natural disasters.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the communications and external relations budget.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises staff and volunteers related to PIO projects.
• Collaborates with various Department Managers and assists with communication needs.
  
  

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in managing communications, public relations, or related program required, which must have included experience with multiple communications tactics/tools, such as social media, web-based, and print media.
• A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university with a relevant communications or marketing degree may be substituted for experience.
• Demonstrated success in managing campaigns preferred.
• Preferred bilingual in written and verbal English and Spanish, with experience in translation and interpretation.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license required.
• Travel to events within and outside the state of Colorado may be required.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background screening according to County policy requirements.
  
  

Knowledge of:

• Principles of communications and public relations and its role in advancing an organizational agenda.
• Principles, theories, practices, and techniques of marketing, branding, and advertising.
• Capabilities of computer applications, systems and hardware used in the field of communications.
• Prioritizes accessibility in procuring vendors/resources/professional services, technology systems and tools/ content by evaluating capacity of proposed resources to meet accessibility requirements; Defining accessibility requirements and responsibilities in applicable contracts; Monitoring compliance with contractual requirements related to accessibility.
• Partner with colleagues and team members to prioritize accessibility training to content creators and others using our digital assets.
• Knowledge of (or ability to learn in the first 60 days) public sector regulations related to digital accessibility and disability inclusion, including WCAG 2.1 AA Section 508, and ADA laws.
• Ability to advocate for accessibility in digital products. 
  
  

Skilled in:

• Interpersonal relationships
• Presenting various concepts effectively verbally and in writing
• Achieving the understanding and support of individuals or groups with indifferent or opposing points of view
  
  

Lake County Benefits - Full-Time Employees

As a reflection of the value we place on the contributions of our employees, the County offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees. Please review the for full details. The Guide provides information on Lake County Government's benefit offerings, including:

• Employer-Sponsored Medical and Dental Insurance Plans
• 100% Employer Paid Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Employer-Sponsored Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance Plans
• 401(a) and 457(b) Employer Matched Retirement Plans
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Days and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Public Health Emergency Leave
• Discounts on concerts, major sporting events, electronics, travel, cars and more!
  
  

Lake County Benefits - Part-Time Employees

Lake County is also proud to offer paid sick time off and flexible work schedules for our part-time employees.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice Of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.

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